"alive, lively"
Origin: Latin (vivianus)
Language: English
Vivian
Pronunciation: [ v-IHV-ee-uhn ]
Girl Name
#77 Most Popular
Rising
3 Syllables
Old Hollywood elegance meets Arthurian mystique
English
French
American
Vintage
Elegant
Sophisticated
Classic
Literary
Meaning & Origin
"full of life"
Origin: Late Latin
Language: English
"alive, full of life"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
"living"
Origin: Latin vivus
Language: Latin
The Story of Vivian
Vivian derives from the Latin 'Vivianus,' from 'vivus' meaning 'alive' or 'full of life.' The name was used in early Christian contexts and appears in Arthurian legend as Viviane, the Lady of the Lake who raised Sir Lancelot. It became fashionable in England during the Victorian era and has experienced multiple revivals since.
Vivian declined through much of the mid-20th century but has been climbing steadily since 2005. The rise of vintage-chic naming trends, plus Angelina Jolie naming her daughter Vivienne Marcheline in 2008, brought renewed attention to the name.
Vivian has strong literary and theatrical associations — Vivian Leigh, the actress, made the name synonymous with old Hollywood glamour. In Arthurian legend, Viviane is a powerful sorceress and guardian of Excalibur.
Fun Facts
- Vivian Leigh won two Academy Awards — for Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire
- In Arthurian legend, the Lady of the Lake is named Viviane and she gives King Arthur Excalibur
- The name means 'alive' — making it a naturally positive omen for a new life
Vivian in Other Languages
French
Vivienne
German
Viviane
Italian
Viviana
Spanish
Viviana
Japanese
ヴィヴィアン
Portuguese
Viviane
Famous People Named Vivian
V
Vivian Howard
Writer
1979
American chef and author known for the PBS series A Chef's Life
V
V
Vivian Maier
Artist
1926
American street photographer whose work was discovered posthumously and celebrated worldwide
V
Vivien Leigh
Actor
1913
British actress who played Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind and Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire
V
Vivian (Pretty Woman) Fictional
Other
The warm-hearted protagonist played by Julia Roberts in the 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #77
- Total SSA Count
- 3,088
- Cultural Origins
- English French American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Viv
Vivi
Pairs Well With
Vivian Rose
Vivian Grace
Vivian Mae
Vivian Claire
Vivian Elise
Vivian Jane
Vivian Leigh
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Vivian is also used as a boy name, ranked #13367.
View Vivian as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vivian
What does the name Vivian mean?
"alive, lively" (from Latin (vivianus)). "full of life" (from Late Latin). "alive, full of life" (from Latin). "living" (from Latin vivus). Vivian derives from the Latin 'Vivianus,' from 'vivus' meaning 'alive' or 'full of life.' The name was used in early Christian contexts and appears in Arthurian legend as Viviane, the Lady of the Lake who raised Sir Lancelot. It became fashionable in England during the Victorian era and has experienced multiple revivals since.
What is the origin of the name Vivian?
Vivian has Latin (vivianus), Late Latin, Latin, Latin vivus, English, French, and American origins. In Latin (vivianus), it means "alive, lively". In Late Latin, it means "full of life". In Latin, it means "alive, full of life". In Latin vivus, it means "living".
Is Vivian a boy or girl name?
Vivian is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #77. As a boy name, it is ranked #13367. Vivian is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Vivian?
Vivian is pronounced v-IHV-ee-uhn.
How popular is the name Vivian?
Vivian is currently ranked #77 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Vivian?
Common nicknames for Vivian include Viv and Vivi.
What are good middle names for Vivian?
Popular middle name pairings include Vivian Rose, Vivian Grace, Vivian Mae, Vivian Claire, Vivian Elise, Vivian Jane, and Vivian Leigh.
What are good sibling names for Vivian?
Names that pair well with Vivian as siblings include Genevieve, Celeste, Julian, Sebastian, Iris, Cordelia, and Felix.
How many syllables does Vivian have?
Vivian has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Vivian a common or rare name?
Vivian is a very popular name, ranked #77 among girl names in the United States.
About the Name Vivian
Vivian is a girl name with English, French, and American origins . The name means "alive, lively" in Latin (vivianus) .
Is Vivian a boy or girl name? Vivian is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #77 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #13,367. Vivian is more commonly used as a girl name.
Vivian is currently ranked #77 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Vivian has 3 syllables and is pronounced v-IHV-ee-uhn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Vivian include Viv and Vivi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Vivian include Vivienne, Viviana, Vivianna, Vivianne, Vivien . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.